St George’s Oval: Pitch Report, Records, Stats & Boundary Length
November 14, 2024
St George’s Oval, located in Gqeberha (formerly Port Elizabeth), South Africa, is one of the world’s oldest and most historically significant cricket venues.
Established in 1882, this iconic stadium has hosted numerous memorable matches and played a pivotal role in the growth of South African cricket over the past century.
St George’s Oval
Known for its bowling-friendly pitch and impressive boundary lengths, St George’s Oval continues to captivate cricket enthusiasts with its rich cricketing legacy.
Key Facts: St George’s Oval Cricket Ground
| Venue Name | St George’s Park |
|---|---|
| Also Known as | Sahara Oval and Crusaders Ground |
| Opened | 1882 |
| Location | Park Dr, Gqeberha Central, Gqeberha, 6001, South Africa |
| Seating Capacity | 19,000 |
| Pitch Behavior | Assists fast bowlers |
| Shortest Boundary Distance | 55 meters |
| Longest Boundary Distance | 78 meters |
| Bowling Ends | Duckpond End, Park Drive End |
| Floodlights | Yes |
St George’s Oval Pitch Report
The pitch at St George’s Park Cricket Ground is renowned for its favorable conditions for fast bowlers.
The surface features longer grass, which aids seam movement and swing. Additionally, the pitch exhibits a considerable amount of bounce, which benefits the pacers.
However, this bounce also allows batters to play their shots as the ball gets older, making the pitch a challenging yet rewarding one for both bowlers and batters.
Spinners, on the other hand, tend to have a relatively smaller impact on the game at this venue.
The pitch’s characteristics make it an ideal theater for fast-paced, exciting cricket, where both the bowlers and the batters must adapt their strategies to succeed.
St George’s Oval Records & Stats
St George’s Park has hosted a total of 79 international matches, encompassing various formats of the game. The average first-innings score at this venue is 312 for Tests, 233 for One-Day Internationals, and 115 for T20 Internationals.
Key Records:
- Highest Total Recorded:
- Tests: 549/7d (Australia vs South Africa)
- ODIs: 335/6 (Pakistan vs South Africa)
- T20Is: 180/7 (India vs South Africa)
- Lowest Total Recorded:
- Tests: 30 (South Africa vs England)
- ODIs: 112 (New Zealand vs Australia)
- T20Is: 58/8 (South Africa vs West Indies)
- Highest Score Chased:
- Tests: 271/8 (Australia vs South Africa)
- ODIs: 330/7 (Australia vs South Africa)
- T20Is: 154/5 (South Africa vs India)
- Highest Individual Score:
- Tests: 196 (Herschel Gibbs, South Africa vs India)
- ODIs: 135 (Saleem Elahi, Pakistan vs South Africa)
- T20Is: 70 (Quinton de Kock, South Africa vs Australia)
- Best Bowling Performance:
- Tests: 8/7 (George Lohmann, England vs South Africa)
- ODIs: 7/20 (Andy Bichel, Australia vs England)
- T20Is: 4/9 (Dale Steyn, South Africa vs West Indies)
South Africa’s Record at St George’s Oval
As the home team, South Africa has an impressive record at St George’s Oval, with a significant number of victories in international matches played at this venue.
| Matches Played | Matches Won | Matches Lost | Matches Tied | Matches Drawn | No Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 72 | 39 | 27 | 0 | 5 | 1 |
South Africa has won 39 matches, lost 27, drawn 5, and had 1 match with no result at this venue.
South Africa’s Test Record
| Matches Played | Matches Won | Matches Lost | Matches Tied | Matches Drawn | No Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 32 | 14 | 13 | 0 | 5 | 0 |
South Africa’s ODI Record
| Matches Played | Matches Won | Matches Lost | Matches Tied | Matches Drawn | No Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36 | 22 | 13 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
South Africa’s T20I Record
| Matches Played | Matches Won | Matches Lost | Matches Tied | Matches Drawn | No Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 3 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
India’s Record at St George’s Oval
In contrast to South Africa’s dominance, India’s record at St George’s Oval has been relatively less successful, with only one victory in 10 matches played at this venue.
India’s Overall Record
| Matches Played | Matches Won | Matches Lost | Matches Tied | Matches Drawn | No Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10 | 1 | 8 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
India’s Test Record
| Matches Played | Matches Won | Matches Lost | Matches Tied | Matches Drawn | No Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
India’s ODI Record
| Matches Played | Matches Won | Matches Lost | Matches Tied | Matches Drawn | No Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | 1 | 6 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
India’s T20I Record
| Matches Played | Matches Won | Matches Lost | Matches Tied | Matches Drawn | No Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
St George’s Oval Boundary Length
The longest boundary at St George’s Oval measures 78 meters, while the shortest boundary distance is 55 meters. This variation in boundary lengths adds an interesting dynamic to the gameplay, as batters must adapt their shot selection and bowlers must strategize their deliveries accordingly.
St George’s Oval Capacity
The cricket stadium in Gqeberha, previously known as Port Elizabeth, can accommodate over 19,000 spectators. This sizeable seating capacity allows for a lively and energetic atmosphere during matches, further enhancing the overall experience for both players and fans.
St George’s Oval Location
St George’s Park Cricket Ground is situated at Park Dr, Gqeberha Central, Gqeberha, 6001, South Africa. The venue’s location in the heart of Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth) makes it easily accessible for both local and visiting cricket enthusiasts.
The Significance of St George’s Oval in Cricket History
St George’s Park Cricket Ground holds a significant place in the annals of international cricket. Established in 1882, it was the first cricket stadium to stage a Test match outside of England or Australia, when England played South Africa in March 1889.
This historic event marked the beginning of South Africa’s cricketing journey on the global stage.
Over the years, St George’s Oval has witnessed some of the most memorable moments in South African cricket history.
It has been the site of South Africa’s first-ever Test match, as well as the country’s return to international cricket following its readmission after the apartheid era.
The stadium’s unique character, with its bowling-friendly pitch and impressive boundary lengths, has made it a venue that challenges both batters and bowlers.
This has resulted in numerous thrilling encounters, where the outcome has often been decided in the final moments of the game.
The St George’s Brass Band: A Unique Tradition
One of the most distinctive features of St George’s Oval is the presence of the St. George’s Brass Band, which has been a fixture at the stadium for decades.
The band’s lively performances and energetic renditions of classic cricket tunes have become an integral part of the match-day experience for fans.
However, the band’s presence has not been without controversy. In the 2003 Cricket World Cup, the band was barred from performing within the stadium, a decision that was met with disappointment and outcry from the local supporters.
This decision was seen as a blow to the unique character and atmosphere that the band had helped to create at St George’s Oval over the years.
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Conclusion: A Timeless Cricketing Gem
St George’s Park Cricket Ground stands as a true icon of the sport, with a rich history and a reputation for producing thrilling and closely contested matches.
Its bowling-friendly pitch, impressive boundary lengths, and significant records have made it a revered venue among cricketers and fans alike.
As South Africa’s oldest Test cricket ground, St George’s Oval has witnessed the evolution of the game and the rise of the country’s cricketing prowess.
The stadium’s unique character, combined with its significance in the annals of international cricket, make it a must-visit destination for any ardent cricket enthusiast.
Despite the challenges faced by some visiting teams, the enduring appeal of St George’s Oval lies in its ability to consistently deliver memorable moments that captivate the hearts of cricket lovers around the world.
As the sport continues to evolve, this historic venue remains a testament to the timeless allure of the gentlemen’s game.
